Applying for a job at our studio

Here are a few tips for applying for a position at Andy Matthews Studio.

Following the conclusion of our recent hiring process for a Part II Architectural Assistant, we wanted to provide some top tips to anyone thinking of applying to architecture studios in the future. These are ours; I’m sure there are many more.

This was also posted on LinkedIn, and the comments and responses may also be helpful to some.

DON’T

• Apply via WhatsApp to the directors mobile phone, that number is in the website for client enquiries.

• Follow up by phone or email before the application process has closed; we know you’re keen, but we have to let the application run and be fair to everyone.

• Apply for a position different from the one advertised.

• Apply via LinkedIn/Instagram direct message.

• Send a rude email after not making it through to interview.

• Apply for a position and be committed to a course of study outside architecture that would mean you are working excessive overall combined work hours each week and would mean you wouldn’t work with us for more than a year. Please read up on why we want people to rest and our four day week. We want to train people and for them to stay with us in the long term.

• Add the director or other team members on LinkedIn if you’ve not met them. This adds more admin, and it might be easier to tap the follow button instead if you want to keep in touch and show some interest.

• Come to interview with only university work. We need to see what you’ve done in practice and understand what practical experience you’ve had - even if it looks boring to you and think it won't be of interest.

DO

• Send a clear and concise CV, portfolio and cover letter.

• Provide a well presented portfolio; white space is your friend.

• Show a range of work - CAD, 3D, sketching, process, photos etc.

• Please please please show some work from practice! Practical experience is really important and, ultimately, what we are interviewing you for.

• Show some interest or life outside of work.

• Check spelling and grammar - accidents happen, get a friend to help if this isn't easy.

• Check any URLs work.

• Follow the instructions on the ad correctly.

• Check any formatting. Any areas of pasted text in a different font will jump out. We know you must re-use content, but it comes back to the eye for detail.

We received five hundred or so CVs, interviewed six people, requested second interviews for two candidates and settled on a final candidate last week who has accepted our offer and starts in early October. Half of the applicants came directly from our social media channels (Instagram/LinkedIn), and half from a paid Dezeen Jobs ad. Everyone who applied was emailed a response, regardless of whether they were invited to interview. We were unable to follow up on further requests for feedback.